Thanks for the info LB. I should know better to check the WDFW site for that. Curious that NT Commercials got a chance before us? Especially with the little rec participation that occurs in the winter. Not knowing the Biology of crab,couldn't they wait until after the first of the year to get their share? I'm going to try to get out So. of the NT Commercial 2W line in the next couple weeks. I'll post a report. Thanks.
It is more than curious!
When the current crab mgmt policy was being developed and later during its public review/comment period the intent particularly in 2E and 2W (where there has traditionally been both recreational and NT commercial in waters close to population centers) was to have first a summer rec season and then a full winter rec season but only if there was ample poundage available from the State's share. Any NT commercial fishery was to occur only if there was both a rec summer and (estimated poundage) full rec winter season leaving sufficient poundage out of the State's share. As I wrote before, it begs lucidity for WDFW to open the NT commercial season over two weeks before the winter rec season. The fact that the NT commercials were cut off before the rec winter season began is indicative that they hit it fast and hard!
So maybe if the winter rec season is not highly productive through December the WDFW will extend that season until the estimated rec harvest is ultimately achieved. To cut us off before that estimated poundage is achieved would be (another) travesty of mismanagement!
Keep your eye on the ball!!
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